Healthcare

Healthcare

Protecting public health

In his first year in the Senate Ben authored SB 277 with Senator Richard Pan, which increased the number of children receiving vaccines for dangerous communicable diseases. March of Dimes named Ben Legislator of the Year for this successful effort. Since the new policy went into effect, rates of vaccinated school children have increased significantly.

Lifesaving organ transplant legislation

In 2016, Ben introduced a new law that repealed a discriminatory state law that prohibited LGBT persons from donating organs. The San Francisco Chronicle reported extensively on this legislation that will shorten the time for everyone on the organ donation waiting list. For this effort, Ben was named Legislator of the Year by the nonprofit organization Donate Life.

Improving Alzheimer’s care

Ben authored legislation to update the guidelines used by physicians to diagnose, treat and prevent Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. These guidelines are used to ensure that patients suffering from these diseases receive care that is based on the most up-to-date research. Ben was named Legislator of the Year by the Alzheimer’s Association for his work on this bill.

Single payer health insurance

Ben is a coauthor of SB 562, legislation that would establish a single payer health care system, giving all people access to affordable medical care.